Skopje, 7 November 2025 (MIA) — The National Opera and Ballet will stage the dramatic opera "Pagliacci" ("The Clowns"), written by Italian composer Ruggero Leoncavallo (1857-1919) at 8 pm.

A staple of the operatic repertoire for over a century, "Pagliacci" is considered one of the prime examples of the verismo (Italian for realism) movement in Italian opera in the last decade of the 19th century.

"The opera 'Pagliacci' premiered in Milan in 1892 and Leoncavallo wrote the libretto himself, inspired by a true event. The work reveals the thin line between art and reality, love and jealousy, laughter and tears," organizers said.

"With the unforgettable aria 'Vesti la giubba' ('Put on the costume'), this masterpiece touches every heart and reminds us even the mask of one's smile can hide pain behind it," they added.

The cast consists of soprano Deshira Ahmeti-Krliu (Nedda), tenor Antonello Palombi (Canio), baritone Marjan Jovanoski (Tonio), baritone Dragan Ampov (Silvio), tenor Jane Dunimagloski (Beppe), along with the National Opera and Ballet orchestra, choir and dancers. 

Hungarian orchestral and operatic conductor Balázs Kocsár will lead the orchestra. 

The opera was directed by Dejan Proshev. The set was designed by Ilina Angelovska and the costumes were designed by Nikola Buleski. 

Olga Pango is the choreographer. Kliment Todoroski is the concert master. Gjurgjica Dashikj and Jasmina Djordjeska are the choir masters. mr/